For the first time in history Persian leopards gave offspring in captivity.

      Two leopard couples in Sochi National Park yielded offspring at the same time. A year ago, Zadiga and Andre were brought here from Portuguese Zoo and in July female already gave birth to two cubs. While another couple – Alous and Cherie – who were captured in the wild, could not come to an understanding for three years.

      For salvation of endangered leopard species a breeding and rehabilitation center was established in the park. Leopard cubs typically remain in their den for about two months, feeding on partially digested meat from their mother at first, and eventually developing their own hunting skills.

      Century and a half ago, it was covering almost all the mountainous regions of the Caucasus. But after the Civil War, people struggling against wolves exterminated leopards as well. Every day, the center staff takes a tour to check the animals’ condition. They ride quad bikes, because cars in the park are prohibited. In the cages there are 6 leopards now, but in the wild remain no more than two of them.

      It is predicted, that, with the support of this recovery program the number of animals should increase dozens of times.